Muhammad Arsalan

I am a research-driven professional with over 13 years of experience working for Energy markets operator, financial institutions, renewable energy developer, consulting and research institutions. I recently submitted by PhD thesis at University of Newcastle, Australia (undergoing examination process). Also, I hold an MSc from Durham University-UK, an MBA (Finance) and B.Eng. 

 Over the years my career has evolved into a research-driven professional seeking to create clarity and solve real-world problems. My diverse exposure of consulting, energy markets, corporate banking, university teaching & academic researcher has helped me developed a holistic perspective and skills in: (i) policy & market design; (ii) financial modelling of distributed & grid-scale renewable energy (RE) & battery storage; and (iii) the emerging technological/business model innovations for energy transition (“knowledge & experience map” at the end). As an energy transition practitioner and researcher, I conceptualize energy transition as a complex & iterative interaction between policy initiatives, market design, technological innovation, and micro-level firm’s activities.

 As an innovation & energy transition researcher – my research explores how policy-driven market design & financial configuration drives firm’s innovation & strategies for diffusion of clean energy technologies. I am interested in exploring the investment case of RE technologies, & how policy/financial optimization can enable an environmentally & economically sustainable energy future. My research in J. of Energy Economics (ABDC A*) develops a project-level financial model to present the investment case for 130 locations in Pakistan. Similarly, my research in J. of ‘Energy Policy’ (ABDC A) undertakes techno-economic appraisal of distributed PV generation to inform policymakers, investors, & households. Also, my latest publication in J. of Utility Policy (ABDC A) proposes a framework for reforms/modernization of electricity  distribution systems that can support energy transition. 

 My PhD research (submitted for examination) comprises of three studies (to be published) explores firm’s agency (represented by its activities, business model innovation, & strategy) in driving sociotechnical transitions. My research builds on the context of  demand-side flexibility for transition to a consumer-centric/decentralized electricity system. During my PhD, I served as a knowledge sharing officer for a government-funded innovation project featuring financial & innovation appraisal of community battery storage & peer-to-peer energy trading.

 As a teaching academic – I have 3 years’ experience of working as Assistant Professor designing & teaching practice-oriented courses in Entrepreneurship, Business models, & innovation;  Project Finance, ‘Economics of energy transition’, & ‘Decarbonization financing’ etc. I also promoted experiential learning by initiating industry-linked Capstone research projects.

 As a sustainable energy transition expert – in  my current consulting role with Ecovis (a global consulting firm) – I got the opportunity to work with Saudi Energy efficiency Center (SEEC) – the national regulator in Saudi Arabia responsible for policy-setting, governance, & awareness of energy efficiency (EE) initiatives across the Kingdom in Transport, Buildings, Industry, & Utilities sectors. I was involved in the review of control and design effectiveness of the regulatory governance processes and presented policy & design-level advisory drawing on Saudi context and peer countries comparison to leadership and audit committee.

 At Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) – I gained exposure of the dynamic interplay of energy transition and wholesale energy market dynamics in terms of evolving profile of demand, electricity spot prices and generator’s payoffs. Also, how policy and market design changes steer the speed, direction and configuration of Australian electricity generation suite. My role involved analytics & reporting of NEMDE price-dispatch outcomes, system planning, projects & stakeholder coordination, and implementation of market reforms, regulatory changes, and associated procedure updates.

 As a corporate banker – I acquired expertise in corporate & project financing, credit risk, transaction structuring, financial modelling and asset management for diverse industry segments including utilities, power plants, and other large-scale manufacturing sectors.